TECHNICAL INFORMATION

U S I C O N C R E T E P O L E S
THE BENEFITS OF CONCRETE
WHY SPUN CONCRETE POLES?
Unlike conventional cast poles, prestressed spun concrete poles are centrifugally cast. This process
involves spinning the poles at a very high rpm, which produces poles with the highest density and
strength to weight ratio of any concrete available. As a result they are more durable; longer lasting and
resistant to freeze/thaw cycles and chemical agents.
All our concrete pole are prestressed with high-tensile steel that is stretched before the concrete is cast,
then released to maintain concrete compression. Prestressing greatly increases both the strength and
resilience of the pole, providing far greater longevity than non-prestressed concrete poles.
In addition, the centrifugal (spinning) process creates a smooth, hollow raceway, tunnel inside the pole.
This allows for internal routing of electrical cables.

CONSIDER THE ADVANTAGES

• Cost effective direct buried design
• Long maintenance free life span
• Variety of heights and classes
• Minimal vibration and deflection
• Resistant to corrosion
• High resistance to sulfate attack
• Environmentally friendly
• Varity of colours and finishes
• Resistant to rot, fire, and insects
• Hollow internal raceway

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SPECIFICATIONS

DESIGN

Our prestressed spun concrete poles meet design criteria of the

latest revisions of CSA A14 and ASTM C1089 standards. We are
also an accredited CSA A23.1 certified precast plant.

MATERIALS

Cement
Shall be high early (HE) strength and shall meet all physical requirements of CSA
Standard A23.1.

Reinforcing and Stressing Strands

Deformed reinforcing bars shall conform shall conform to CSA G30.12 and ASTM A615.
Prestressing steel reinforcement shall conform to CSA G279 and ASTM A416. Helical
reinforcing wire shall conform to ASTM A82. Galvanized or epoxy coated rebar is available
upon request.

Aggregates
Coarse and fine aggregates shall meet all physical requirements of CSA standard A23.1.
Aggregates shall be washed to achieve optimum quality.

Admixtures
Air entrainment, water reducers, corrosion inhibitors and accelerators shall conform to
CSA A23.1. Air entrainment shall be used to produce 5-8% air content in the mix, which
will improve the resistance to freeze/thaw.

Water
Shall be clear and free of any acid, alkali, sediment or organic matter.

Hardware
All Hardware and accessories shall be plated, hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel.
Handhole frames & covers shall be manufactured using a high density zinc alloy.
All hardware such as inserts, fasteners, crossarms , pole steps ,fin caps, and base plates
shall be plated, hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel.

Pole Tops
All pole tops will be equipped with a weatherproof cap, except those with a tenon top or
optional fin cap.

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INSTALLATION

DIRECT EMBEDMENT
Simple and cost effective! The most common method and biggest advantage for installing a concrete pole is by direct
embedment. The pole is placed into an augured hole lined with gravel then back filled with native soils, stone dust or
cement. Depending on the soil conditions.

Advantages of direct embedment:

• Monetary – Eliminates the need for a costly anchor pole base footing.
• Time Savings – Faster installation, allowing more poles to be installed.
• Simple – No reliance on weather, form work, or pouring schedules.
• Appearance – No exposed base plates, or anchors bolts.
• Engineered – The pole and footing are continuous, forming a stronger structure.
• Environmental – Does not contaminate the soil, unlike direct buried wood poles which contain chemical treatments.
• Landscaping – Whether it be grass, concrete or asphalt, the surrounding ground is finished right up to the pole.
• Maintenance free – Can be placed into the ground without the fear of rust or rot.

Installation Guidelines
Typical Burial Details
Calculating the Depth of the Pole
Poles are typically set into the ground: 10%
of the overall height + 2 feet, except in
questionable soil conditions.
Handhole box and
Coverplate
Example: Overall pole height: 30 feet, the pole
should be buried: 3 feet + 2 feet = 5 feet below
grade, and 25 feet above grade.
Compacted or Slope to surrounding Note: always consult an engineer and review the
finish grade
undistributed soil soils report.

Calculating the Diameter and the Length

of the Hole
Auger hole minimum 10 inches larger than the
Wiring aperture
(both sides)
butt diameter of the pole, and an extra 6 inches
Embedment deeper then the depth requirement.
length Select backfill as
per the recommended Example: Overall pole height is: 35 feet and butt
soils report or consult
project engineer. diameter is 14 inches, auger the hole Min: 24
inches in diameter and the depth 6 feet.
5" minimum
Depth Calculation:
We suggest a 6" 35 feet X 10% = 3 feet, 6 inches
6" course granular base plus 2 feet = 5 feet, 6 inches
pad. This allows for a
firm base on which to plus 6 inches for GA base =
set the concrete pole.
a total of 6 feet of augured depth

Embedment Length:
The embedment length is generally 10% of pole plus two feet.
Poles in poor or questionable soils or poles with highly
imbalanced loads require special design considerations.
Consult your project engineer.

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INSTALLATION

OTHER INSTALLATION METHODS

The simple direct embedment method may not be suitable for all applications. When poles are in unstable soil
conditions, or with large or unbalanced loads, either an engineered base or special backfill (i.e. concrete) may
be required. USI can also supply concrete poles for either the Base Plate or Socket Mounting methods.

BASE PLATE MOUNTING

OPTION B: OPTION B1: OPTION B2:
Base Plate – Flush with Bolts Exposed Base Plate – Hidden Bolt Pockets Base Plate – Below Grade Stub

Anchor Bolt Hot Dipped Galvanized

Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Baseplate
Insert Bolt Cover
Steel Baseplate
Wire Access Hole
Wire Access Hole Wire Access Hole
Slotted Holes for
Slotted Holes for Anchor Bolts
Anchor Bolts

Base Plate Base Plate

Base Plate
Typical Typical Typical
Concrete Pole Concrete Pole Concrete Pole

Typically Pole is Set

2 - 3" Below Grade
to Hide Anchors Aluminum
Nut Covers
TYPICAL GRADE
TYPICAL GRADE
Hot Dipped
Galvanized Steel
Baseplate 6" [152mm]

Concrete Extension for

Base Plate Mounting
E-55 USI Precast
Pole Base E-56 USI Precast E-52 USI Precast
[Optional - Ask for details] Pole Base Pole Base
[Optional - Ask for details] [Optional - Ask for details]

TYPICAL GRADE

SOCKET MOUNTING
Socket Mounting Detail
Socket Mounting may be installed flush to grade or poured at a
desired height to act as extra protection from impact. 6" 6"

Notes:
A = 2 times butt dia. of pole

Internal reinforcing
(by others)

Size of
concrete footing

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PRODUCTION

MOLDS
Only steel molds shall be used, with dimensions and cross sections as shown
in our product catalogue. The reinforcing steel cage shall be centered and
positioned in the mold by means of plastic spacers, to ensure a minimum
concrete coverage of ¾". The prestressing steel shall be stressed to a maximum
of 70% of its ultimate capacity.

CONCRETE
The minimum 28-day cylinder strength for concrete used in poles shall be 50
MPa (7250 psi) for standard grey structural concrete, and 45 MPa (6525 psi)
for architectural decorative concrete. The compressive strength of concrete
mixes shall be established in accordance with CAN/CSA-A23.2-9C.

CENTRIFUGAL SPINNING PROCESS

The entire steel mold shall be spun utilizing the “Vibraspun” process, which
is a four stage vibration spinning cycle. The length of time and speed required
will vary based on the style of concrete pole.

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STORAGE AND HANDLING

STORAGE AND HANDLING

USI spun poles are made of high strength prestressed concrete, making them extremely durable and flexible. USI spun
concrete poles are designed to withstand specific service loads and handling loads – with safety factors considered. But
storage and handling practices are easily overlooked. Attention to the following details can help minimize damage.

STORAGE HANDLING
1. Always store concrete poles on wood, ideally 2 x 6 hardwood, or 1. We only recommend nylon slings when handling concrete poles.
similar wood which is finished enough to have opposite sides 2. In lifting the pole from a single pick-up point, use either a choker
flat and parallel (no logs or branches). Never stack poles without sling or a loop sling with one complete extra turn around the pole
proper spacing, a sufficient thickness should allow the placing of just above the balance point.
slings in between layers.
3. We recommend using two pick-up points for poles over 40 feet, and
2. The location of wood supports shall be placed 1/5 of the total choker-type attachment should be used on the pole.
length from each end. Minimum two wood supports for poles under
30 feet, and min. three (3) wood supports for poles over 30 feet.
3. When poles are stored in more than one layer, each piece of wood
support must be placed one above the other, so that the weight
of the poles above is transmitted directly downward through each
wood support and does not induce bending stresses on the poles.
4. Store on a level surface. If the surface is not level, place extra
supports to offset and balance the load properly.
5. Place wedges on each of the wood supports, on round poles only, to
prevent them from rolling.
6. Poles should be aligned on top of each other to form a straight line.

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CROSS SECTIONS

CROSS SECTIONS
USI concrete poles are available with four (4) basic cross sections. The cross sections available are round, octagonal,
square, and fluted. Shown below are the cross sections and the pole styles associated with each.

ROUND OCTAGONAL SQUARE FLUTED

ROUNDED
EDGE EIGHT FLUTED

POLE STYLES POLE STYLES POLE STYLES POLE STYLES

The Hampton Series The Madison Series The Oxford Series The Grandview Series
The Rockcliffe Series The Cambridge Series The Astoria Series
The Newport Series The Stratford Series The Victorian Series
The Edinburgh Series The Westmount Series
The Parkdale Series

1”
CHAMFERED
TEN FLUTED
CORNERS

POLE STYLES POLE STYLES

The Thompson Series The Washington Series

THE HAMPTON SERIES THE MADISON SERIES THE THOMPSON SERIES THE GRANDVIEW SERIES

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COLOURS AND FINISHES

COLOURS

Autumn Red Aztec Jade Black Eclipse Dark Bronze Desert Rose Desert Sand
COLOUR CODE: AR COLOUR CODE: AJ COLOUR CODE: BE COLOUR CODE: DB COLOUR CODE: DR COLOUR CODE: DS

Midnight Lace Natural Grey Oriental Jade Salt & Pepper Seluki Bronze Venetian White
COLOUR CODE: ML COLOUR CODE: NG COLOUR CODE: OJ COLOUR CODE: SP COLOUR CODE: SB COLOUR CODE: VW

FINISHES 2

3 4
The decorative pole finish is not a veneer or a painted finish. The entire concrete matrix is a combination of specialty decorative
2 - POLISHED
colored aggregates, pigments, and cement. The entire pole is spun cast with this concrete mix. The combination of various 3 - ETCHED
concrete mix designs and surface finishes provides the client with over 36 standard finishes (custom colours available upon 4 - EXPOSED
request) to choose from.
Below are USI’s three (3) finish types:

Polished Finish Etched Finish Exposed Finish

FINISH CODE: 2
This surface finish is accomplished by polishing
the face of the concrete pole by mechanical
means. Diamond polishing discs work the surface
to an ultra smooth finish. After polishing the
face of the pole, a minimum of two coats of clear
sealer are applied to further enhance the natural
beauty of the stone.
FINISH CODE: 3
This surface finish, as the name suggests is a
semi-rough finish. The etching of the pole surface
is accomplished by sand blasting the face of the
pole. The sand blasting removes the outer layer
of mortar, exposing the decorative aggregates
beneath. As with the polished finish, a sealer is
applied to enhance the look.
FINISH CODE: 4
This surface finish is a two-stage process.
Initially the pole form is coated with a “surface
retarder”, which delays the hardening of the
thin outer layer of the concrete. After the pole is
cured, the pole surface is pressure washed with
water to expose the aggregate. This finish is a
rough finish, with large portions of the aggregate
showing. No sealers are typically applied to
this pole.

POSITION REFERENCE OF COLOUR AND FINISH CODE IN TYPICAL CATALOGUE NUMBER

EXAMPLE OF TYPICAL CATALOG NUMBER

2 SP

POLE STYLE OVERALL HEIGHT CLASS FINISH COLOUR MOUNT OPTION OPTION
Polished Salt & Pepper

Select Finish Select Colour

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STANDARD ACCESSORIES

WIRING APERTURES
A Through the centrifugal casting process, our spun concrete poles achieve a hallow raceway ideal for
placing wiring. Access holes (top & bottom) can be cast in for getting the wires in and out of this
naturally formed conduit. One end of the holes is typically sloped to provide clear acess and the other
is rounded to protect the wire during installation.

POLE TOP APERTURE A

Size is standard, but location will vary with fixture mount style.

INSIDE CLEAR DIMENSIONS

WIRING APERTURE
A B
1 1/2" x 3" 38mm [1 1/2"] 75mm [3"]
A

B B

FRONT VIEW CROSS SECTION

BELOW GRADE APERTURE B

Standard location is 18” below grade level and is available in

grade level
two sizes.

INSIDE CLEAR DIMENSIONS

WIRING APERTURE
A A B
2 1/2" x 5" 63mm [2 1/2"] 125mm [5"]
B B
3 1/2" x 10 1/2" 88mm [3 1/2"] 263mm [10 1/2"]

GRADE LEVEL

FRONT VIEW CROSS SECTION

CABLE
ENTRY

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STANDARD ACCESSORIES

THROUGH HOLES C

C Through holes for bolts are formed directly in the concrete. Size and position will vary
according to fixture.

Standard diameter holes sizes:

D
DIMENSION DIAMETER HOLE SIZES
13mm [1/2"]
16mm [5/8"]
A
20mm [3/4"]
25mm [1"]
Note: Inside clear dimensions – through holes are tapered 1mm [1/16"]
Additional sizes are available upon request.

CAST IN THREADED INSERTS D

Inserts shall be cast directly into the concrete pole when required for threaded bolts
or attachments. All inserts shall be hot dipped galvanized, or zinc alloy for maximum
protection. Inserts are designed to accept standard UNC bolts.

Standard inserts:
A
DIMENSION INSERT DIAMETERS
6mm [1/4"]
9mm [3/8"]
A 13mm [1/2"]
16mm [5/8"]
20mm [3/4"]
1/4"
Note: Inserts are designed to accept standard UNC bolts.
GRADE LEVEL
Additional sizes are available upon request.

Pole attachments with inserts

4"
All lighting bracket arms, pole steps and
scroll arm attachments that are mounted to
CABLE the pole using inserts, can only be torqued
ENTRY to a maximum of 20 ft. - lbs.

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STANDARD ACCESSORIES

IDENTIFICATION PLATE E

Concrete poles are built to CSA Standard A.14. All poles come equipped with this
nameplate, which also outlines nine important features of each pole.

1. USI – Utility Structures Inc. company logo

2. YEAR – the year of manufacture
3. JOB – Special ID tracking number
1
4. HT. – the overall height of the pole
5. DATE – day of manufacture
6. P – Signifies the pole is prestressed
2
7. CL. – Pole Class (the strength of the pole)
3 8. CSA – the use of the C.S.A. logo states that the
pole is manufactured to Canadian Standards
4 7 Association A.14.
5 9. MADE IN CANADA – the country in which the pole
was manufactured
6 8

HANDHOLE BOXES and COVER PLATES F

Handhole boxes are typically 36” above grade. Our Handhole boxes and covers are comprised of a die cast
(ZA 12) zinc alloy. The cover is form fitting to the box which allows for ease of access.

A
C
HANDHOLE BOXES
BOX DIMENSIONS
E
NUMBER A B C
1 50mm [2"] 200mm [8"] 45mm [1 3/4"]
B
F
2 63mm [2 1/2"] 200mm [8"] 50mm [2"]
3 81mm [3 1/2"] 263mm [10 1/2"] 63mm [2 1/2"]

Z
COVER PLATES
GRADE LEVEL

COVER DIMENSIONS
UTILITY
NUMBER X Y Z
STRUCTURES

1 56mm [2 1/4"] 225mm [9"] 3mm [1/4"]

Y
2 70mm [2 3/4"] 225mm [9"] 3mm [1/4"]
CABLE 3 170mm [3 3/4"] 288mm [11 1/2"] 3mm [1/4"]
ENTRY

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STANDARD ACCESSORIES

STAINLESS STEEL SCREWS G

Handhole Covers are fastened with stainless steel (18-8), button head cap screws. They
are available in the following two head styles; Hex head, and Tamper proof hex head.

DIMENSIONS
SCREW TYPE
DIAMETER LENGTH
HEX HEAD 6mm [1/4"] - 20 20mm [3/4”]
TAMPER PROOF HEX HEAD 6mm [1/4”] - 20 20mm [3/4”]

HEX HEAD TAMPER PROOF

HEX HEAD

ELECTRICAL GROUNDING H + I

CSA requires at least one ground connection providing adequate electrical contact to one
steel rod. The ground bar is continuous throughout the length of the pole and metallically
connected to all other reinforcing rods. Grounding will consist of a #6 bare copper strand.
The following two methods are approved by CSA:

H I

#6 copper
ground wire 1/2" ground
bonded to connector
I steel bar
+

handhole box
c/w coverplate

#6 copper
ground wire
bonded to a
steel bar

STANDARD WIRE GROUND OPTIONAL 1/2” GROUND CONNECTOR INSERT

H

GRADE LEVEL

CABLE
ENTRY

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QUALITY

QUALITY CONTROL
Through our fifty plus years in the precast industry USI has
developed a reputation for high quality products. As an
accredited CSA A23.1 certified plant, we must maintain a
quality control program. This compliance control program
assures the product is inspected through shop drawing,
production practices and record keeping.
Every pole carries a unique ID numbered tagging system,
which ensures traceability of all components and
manufacturing procedures for that pole. The concrete mix
shall be tested regularly to CSA standards. A Quality Control
technician shall inspect and approve the pole through each
stage. A final inspection and stamp are required after the
entire manufacturing process is completed.

UTILITY STRUCTURES INC. 10-YEAR WARRANTY

Utility Structures Inc. warrants its products against defects in material and
workmanship. Without charge Utility Structures Inc. will either repair or replace
any properly installed Utility Structures Inc. product which fails under normal
operating conditions within a ten (10) year period from the date of shipment,
providing our inspection determines it to be defective under the terms of this Over fifty years and still testing strong (circa 1960).
warranty. Utility Structures Inc. reserves the right in its solo discretion to decide
between repair and replacement.
This warranty covers only products manufactured by Utility Structures Inc. and
does not extend to transportation or installation charges, nor does it apply to any
equipment of another manufacturer used in conjunction with Utility Structures Inc.
products. This express warranty is in lieu of all other representations, warranties
or conditions expressed or implied. In no event shall Utility Structures Inc’s
liability under this warranty exceed the amount paid by the customer
to Utility Structures Inc. and in no event shall Utility Structures Inc.
be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages. QUAL I
We currently expect our spun concrete poles to have a life
10 YE
TY

expectancy of fifty (50) years or more. Through new concrete

technology, advanced manufacturing processes, and stringent AR
GU

quality control we can assure the client of this long life. AR

A N TEE

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